Facts About Gonorrhea

As covered in the Call-On-Doc Guide to Gonorrhea, gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that can infect the genitals, rectum, and throat. It is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae and is one of the most commonly reported STIs in the United States—particularly among adolescents and young adults ages 15–24.

Many people with gonorrhea do not experience symptoms, which makes routine testing especially important. When symptoms do occur, they may differ depending on anatomy and the site of infection.

Common symptoms in males may include:

• Pain or burning during urination

• Increased urgency or frequency of urination

• Pain or swelling in one testicle

• Thick, pus-like discharge from the penis

Common symptoms in females may include:

• Pain or burning during urination

• Lower abdominal or pelvic pain

• Increased or abnormal vaginal discharge

• Vaginal bleeding between periods or after intercourse

Symptoms in other parts of the body (any gender):

• Throat: sore throat, swollen lymph nodes

• Rectum: itching, discharge, bleeding with bowel movements

• Eyes: pain, redness, light sensitivity, pus-like discharge

• Joints: swelling, warmth, redness, severe pain (rare, but serious)

Gonorrhea is transmitted through vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the infection. Ejaculation does not need to occur for transmission.

A pregnant person with gonorrhea can pass the infection to their baby during vaginal childbirth, which can cause serious eye infections or other complications in newborns. Cesarean delivery significantly reduces this risk.

Gonorrhea cannot be spread through casual contact, toilet seats, shared clothing, or touching surfaces. The bacteria do not survive well outside the human body.

Consistent condom use significantly reduces—but does not eliminate—the risk of transmission.

No. Gonorrhea does not reliably go away without treatment. Even if symptoms improve or disappear, the infection can remain and continue to spread to others. Untreated gonorrhea may also cause long-term complications.

Because gonorrhea is a bacterial infection, it is treatable with prescription antibiotics. However, antibiotic resistance is increasing, which makes timely diagnosis and proper treatment essential.

Untreated gonorrhea can lead to serious health consequences:

• Increased risk of acquiring or transmitting HIV

• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women, which can cause chronic pelvic pain, infertility, or ectopic pregnancy

• Pregnancy complications, including infection of the newborn

• Epididymitis in men, which can lead to testicular pain, scarring, and infertility

• Rarely, disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI), affecting joints, skin, and bloodstream

Testing is recommended for anyone with:

• New or multiple sexual partners

• Symptoms of an STI

• A partner who tested positive

• Routine screening needs (even without symptoms)

Testing typically involves a urine sample or swab, depending on the site of exposure. If results are positive, treatment usually involves antibiotics, often given as an injection with or without oral medication, based on current guidelines.

Follow-up testing may be recommended to ensure the infection is fully cleared.

Prevention strategies include:

• Consistent condom use

• Mutual monogamy with a tested partner

• Routine STI testing

• Prompt treatment of infected individuals

• Honest communication with sexual partners

Regular testing is especially important because many STIs—including gonorrhea—may not cause noticeable symptoms.

Do not feel ashamed or afraid to get tested. Gonorrhea is common, treatable, and manageable—especially when caught early. Getting tested protects your health and the health of others.

With modern telehealth options, you can start your care discreetly online. While testing itself requires a lab or clinic visit, consultations, follow-up care, and prescriptions can often be handled virtually.

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